Richard J. Hazen, 74, of Nokomis, Fla., died March 6, 2013. Richard was born in New Jersey and raised in Lakeland, Fla.. He was a resident of South Sarasota County since 1971.

Richard served in the U.S. Navy from 1956-1958, and attended the University of Oklahoma briefly with disappointing results. He later attended and graduated from Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Fla., and then graduated from the University of Florida Law School in December of 1964.

He is survived by his wife Janet; daughters, Cienne Dix and Lura Lentz (Daniel Lentz); grandaughters Abigail and Ellen; and the mother of his children, Libby Schmidt. He was predeceased by too many people and pets he loved. Richard was a poor golfer but enjoyed playing with his friends who weren’t much better.

He reputedly said he was prouder of being named an Edward Telford Fellow in 1991 than any other honor or awards he said he received before or since.

Services: As per his wishes, there will be no services.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the All Faiths Food Bank for anybody who wants to write a check.

Ewing Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.